A Vanished World
Saturday, January 31, 2009; 2:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Center

The Nazi assault not only murdered countless people; it also destroyed the vibrant and distinctive communal life that had long characterized Jewish Europe. The melodies of Joseph Achron recall folkloric elements of Russian Jewish life, and Egon Ledeć atmospheric salon pieces are a final echo of a soon-to-be-lost Central European gentility. David Stock offers a nostalgic reminiscence of shtetl life, while Lori Laitman’s song cycle conveys a poet’s extraordinary ability to express his humanity even in the Vilna ghetto.

Joseph Achron
Stempenyu Suite

Egon Ledeć
Serenade and Kyticka

Lori Laitman
The Seed of Dream (MOR Commission)

David Stock
A Vanished World (MOR Commission)

Zart Dombourian-Eby, flute; Susan Gulkis Assadi, viola; Leonid Keylin, violin; Mina Miller, piano; Valerie Muzzolini, harp; Erich Parce, baritone; Page Smith, cello

“This event demonstrates why MOR is so important for the world. This is so essential not only as great music, but also as an eloquent statement for human rights.” — audience member